Lewis & Clark earns Salmon-Safe certification

September 26, 2013

Professor of Law Dan Rohlf (right) accepted the Salmon-Safe certification at the annual Sustainability In Portland event.

This fall, Lewis & Clark became the first private college to achieve Salmon-Safe certification. Salmon-Safe is a third party, peer-reviewed certification program that links land management practices with the protection of agricultural and urban watersheds.

The certification efforts, begun in fall 2012, have been led by the campus-wide Sustainability Council and the Facilities Services department. The Salmon-Safe program supports Lewis & Clark’s efforts to be a leader in sustainability, create hands-on learning opportunities for students, partner with local and regional organizations, and further promote the health and beauty of our natural landscape.

Dan Kent, director of Salmon-Safe, said, “Lewis & Clark was singled out by our expert assessment team as one of the most exceptional campuses we’ve evaluated to date with respect to managing 137 acres to conserve habitat and protect downstream water quality.”

Salmon-Safe certification is a five-year process of continual improvement that will be visible on and off campus. In the coming year, further work will continue, including implementation of pesticide-free landscape practices and removal of invasive species.

The certification was recently celebrated at the annual Sustainability in Portland networking event held for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners to kick off Sustainability.